Let me set the scene. Seventh grade. Twelve years old. Just rode home from school—a five-mile ride… up an overpass. Both ways. Okay, not that last part. Just one way, but the rest… So, overheated but not perspiring (because that part of my body didn’t work very well… still doesn’t), I dragged Continue Reading
Why I Think We Need a New Princess in the Line Up—One Who Is Always Late
The lights shift. An expectant audience leans forward as three young girls step forward on screen. The littlest goes first—so cute. So sweet. She looks like a medieval princess. Reading from a storybook, she sings about how she’s waiting for her prince. She’s been waiting for a whole twenty-three Continue Reading
The Tyranny of the Desire to Do All the Things
Life in the trenches—that’s what I called it, you know. In the trenches. Those days of waking up half an hour early, bleary-eyed, hoping for five minutes in the shower, five minutes alone with the Lord, and twenty minutes to make those two things happen. Hey, a girl has to be realistic, Continue Reading
Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano: my thoughts
“Cash… for the merchandise. Cash… for the button hooks. Cash for the fancy goods. Cash for the soft goods. Cash-for-the-noggins-and-the-pickin’s-and…” The opening to Music Man. My husband and I sat there staring at the screen, just waiting for something interesting to happen. The “think” system. Continue Reading
Why Traveling Alone Is Awesome + My Top 5 Destinations
South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceana. Done. Have a great day! *crickets* Oh, all right. So, maybe that’s cheating. For the curious, I left out North America since I live here (despite it being vastly broader than I’ve explored) and Antarctica for obvious reasons. I love to travel—by Continue Reading
To Dream Impossible Dreams: My Greatest Desire
No, my name isn’t Susan Boyle. No, I will not start singing. Yes, I know that she sang "I Dreamed a Dream" instead of "The Impossible Dream." Work with me here. It’s the feel… the tone, right? Something? Okay, whatever. The point is, we all have dreams, right? Some dream of travel. That sounds Continue Reading
The Best and Worst Social Media Sites for Authors Like Me
To jump right to the nitty gritty of the best and worst social media sites, click HERE “So, last night, I killed the Doctor.” How do you respond to that? I didn’t know. My cursor blinked as I tried to think of what she could mean. After all, sweet Mary who is terrified of birds didn’t just go Continue Reading
What I Thought of Just the Way You Are
Laugh out loud humor combines with stick-your-head-in-the-freezer kisses in this novel of romance, faith, and a little historical mystery." Never has a book endorsement left me more panicked at what I’d gotten myself into. Seriously? I chose a book with “stick your head in the freezer kisses?” Who Continue Reading
Argosy Junction’s Unexpected Symbolism
What happens when "the rules" become more important than the people they're meant to help? Note: Links in this post may be affiliate links that provide a small commission at no extra expense to you. In Argosy Junction, a small group of like-minded families grows more unified of mind until Continue Reading
Torturing My Characters: One Inspiration at a Time
The sun has gone down.” My friend's disappointment shrouded the restaurant table. Now I can’t give you the koliva.” How do you respond to that? I don’t know. I just asked the obvious question. “Why?” The veil of dismay lifted. Her eyes lit up. And she began to explain. Note: Links in Continue Reading
A Helpful New Podcast: What happens When 3 Writers Get a Wild Hair
“I want to do a new podcast.” We blinked. I swear, Clark and I just blinked. Sometimes, I think we should have run. But we would have missed so much fun. Creating boxes to put microphones in to reduce feedback and echoes? Check! Not using them after all? Check, check! Having a cat Continue Reading
A Super Easy Way to Discover Your Greatest Weakness
"You have no personality. Please return and take the test again at another time." That was the result of a very intensive "career advice" personality quiz I once took. The thing wasn't some bogus Facebook quiz with ten questions that determined how you tick by asking if you like the picture of Continue Reading
